Mobile Health Interventions for Caregivers to Prevent Stunting Among Children: A Scoping Review

AIM: To map the current literature on the use of mobile health interventions by caregivers to prevent stunting in children. BACKGROUND: Combining mobile technology with health education or community engagement has shown promise as an intervention for preventing child stunting. METHOD: Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A total of 317 records were assessed, and seven studies were included for critical review. RESULTS: Included studies composed of three randomized controlled trials, one quasi-experimental trial and three pilot studies. Types of mobile health interventions included mobile apps, interactive voice response (IVR) audio messages, WhatsApp and chatbots, which were delivered through self-guided and provider-assisted modes. Protocols were conducted through daily or weekly messages or structured multi-week modules over periods of weeks to months. Outcomes measured included caregivers' cognition, child diet, child growth and health, service utilization and maternal well-being. Improvements were observed in caregivers' knowledge and feeding practices. However, the results for child growth and immunization were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Mobile health interventions have considerable potential to enhance caregivers' knowledge and improve feeding practices, which are crucial for preventing stunting globally.